Jimmy Buffett Day Declared in Florida
If Jimmy Buffett had his own holiday, would the world's margarita reserves survive? Well, we'll find out April 16 when Florida celebrates its first 'Jimmy Buffett Day.'
The Florida House of Representatives recently passed the resolution in appreciation of the 64-year-old music icon's charitable efforts, support of the environment and positive economic impact in the state. The resolution cites numerous events and activities including the opening of the first Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Store in Key West in 1985, as well as Jimmy and Governor Bob Graham's formation of the Save the Manatee Club in 1981.
Additionally, Jimmy used the proceeds from his 1995 tour to fund the Singing for Change Charitable Foundation, which gives "grants to local charities that support children and families, the environment and disenfranchised groups." He also raised $3.4 million for hurricane victims in 2004 with his Surviving the Storm Hurricane Relief Concert.
Things are definitely looking up for Jimmy, whose year started off with a tumble off a stage in Australia in January. "It looked like he did a massive face plant after his encore and pretty much didn't get up," audience member Dan Bateman told Australia's Daily Telegraph newspaper. "We were told to leave the premises ... No one really wanted to leave because everyone was anxious to know if he survived the fall. Everyone was pretty horrified."
Luckily, Jimmy quickly recovered from the fall, only having to cancel one show in Auckland, New Zealand. Coincidentally, the singer-songwriter's first show since the accident will take place on Jimmy Buffett Day (April 16) in Tampa, Fla. Get details here.